My Memories - My Life

Overeating is linked to memory loss.

2012-02-15T11:23:00.003-08:00

http://news.health.com/2012/02/13/overeating-memory-loss/

Writing your past

2012-02-12T08:57:00.000-08:00

Ever thought of writing your memoirs?
Writing about your life can be daunting.
Especially if you don't know where to begin.

But with my book...I've made it so easy.
It has fill-in-the-blank questions to get you started.
All you do is write in your life in answer to the questions.
Easy!

Giving your loved ones insight as to who you are is such a wonderful heirloom.

Press Release - New book to help people with early onset Alzheimer's record life experiences before they are lost forever.

2012-01-31T12:24:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Victoria Freeman

http://mymemories-mylife.blogspot.com/

vfmemorybook@gmail.com

619-772-8819

My Memories – My Life

A unique workbook to help people record their life memories. Created by a woman with memory loss.

San Diego, CA 1/31/12

My Memories-My Life is a new workbook designed for people with early onset Alzheimer's disease or memory loss due to age or other health related issues. The book helps people write down and retain their memories before they are lost forever. This workbook is a comprehensive way to record important information, write in life experiences and includes space for photographs.

Alzheimer's disease is a growing heath epidemic as baby boomers are reaching senior citizenship at an alarming rate. With this influx of people over 65, Alzheimer's disease is expected to triple and help is needed to avoid memory problems and postpone the disease for as long as possible. Victoria Freeman, creator of the book My Memories-My Life, hopes her book can help people do just that.

Ever forget your keys or an important appointment? Imagine that happening as part of your everyday life. As we age, problems with memory can become an unwelcome and frustrating reality. As the "baby boom" generation grows older, this is becoming more and more prevalent everyday. Sometimes memory loss can occur through unfortunate circumstances, as in the case of the author of this book. Victoria suffered a head injury in high school that created problems with her ability to retain long term memory. Imagine not being able to remember high school or your wedding day.

Victoria Freeman was having a conversation with a friend when it was suggested that because of her own battle with memory loss, perhaps she could write a book to help others. The result is My Memories – My Life, a life journal, photo album and organizer all-in-one. The book has space for photographs to spark memory, and has lots of fill in the blank questions to record life's experiences. It also helps to organize important documents and information, including medical, financial and personal. This book then becomes an heirloom for generations to come.

"My Memories-My Life is a unique and valuable book for recording and sharing life memories as well as current information regarding your health and wellbeing," said Judy Wunsch, Board of Directors, Alzheimer's Association Southland Chapter. "I only wish that when my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease we had been able to sit down with her and My Memories-My Life, and record for me and my children her life as it was, as it is and what information we would need to keep her safe and comfortable as time went on."

The book, My Memories – My Life is currently available for $25.00 on Amazon.com or by going to the book's site: http://mymemories-mylife.blogspot.com/. Victoria Freeman is available for interviews, book signings, conferences and speaking engagements.

# # #

Amazon.com

2012-01-28T10:07:00.001-08:00

My book is now listed on Amazon.
YEAH!

The Notebook

2012-01-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

I watched the movie The Notebook the other night. It's such a wonderful love story but heartbreaking too.
Watching a love like that get stolen and lost to dementia somehow seems wrong. I think of my memory loss and wonder if I'll progress to the point of no memory at all. I pray I don't. I pray no one does.

There is no cure, but new things are being learned every day. And I'm hoping that my book can help people hold on to their memories for a little longer.

Help!

2012-01-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

I haven't heard from Ellen DeGeneres yet. Do you think she's maybe a little busy? I think so too...BUT if anyone knows her please share my information with her. Thanks!

Goal for 2012!

2012-01-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

My goal for this year is to sell 2012 of my books. I would love ending this year knowing I helped 2012 people. Wish me luck!

Ellen DeGeneres

2011-12-28T17:04:00.000-08:00

I sent a copy of my book to Ellen DeGeneres. I'm hoping she loves it so much that she'll have me on her show to promote it. Wish me luck!

A holiday wish

2011-12-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours.

I hope it's a very memorable Christmas!

All my best,
Victoria

Slow, slow, slow

2011-12-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

Things are slow right now. I don't think that people look at my book as a Christmas gift. That's a pity, really. I think giving the book is giving the gift of memories.

However, that's okay, I'm sure things will pick up after the holidays.

I've spoken to a few more Alzheimer's Association chapters and made a few more connections. It's really just a matter of time.

Oops! Disaster

2011-12-06T11:34:00.000-08:00

If you've seen my blog you know that I was at the San Diego Holiday Arts Festival this last weekend as an exhibitor. I suspected my book was not the right 'product' for an “arts & craft” show. It's not artsy, not made from fabric, iron or paint and not your typical holiday present but I thought I would give a shot. How right I was! Truth be told, it was a disaster. Obviously, everyone attending the show was looking for holiday gifts. Clearly they all agreed that my book was NOT what they were looking for. I almost felt like a leper. I texted my husband at one point telling him just that. People walked by and didn't even look at me. I was a little crushed, but I understood.

Of the few people that did stop, we had nice conversations and I did sell 1 book. That's right, ONE...not one hundred or anything else....just one. Who knows, maybe she sensed my disappointment and bought one because she felt sorry for me. LOL :-) Actually, she told me she was buying it for her father. He's in his 80's and ailing. She is going to sit down with him, ask him the questions and fill it in.

Although the show didn't go well for me, her story made me feel good. The book she purchased would become a bridge between a father and daughter. It will be a way for her to learn more about him, be with him and create a memory. I was moved and pleased. It made the whole weekend worth it. (Almost).

So now I know. Don't try to sell my book at arts and crafts shows. Lesson learned. Honestly though, I still think it would make a wonderful gift. It gives people a chance to share their life story, their ups and downs, triumphs and defeats, and hand it down to their loved ones. What could be more beautiful than that for Christmas?

This is me in my first booth.

Ready to exhibit at the San Diego Holiday Arts Festival!

2011-11-29T17:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, today I went to a local printer and had a small poster made to display at my booth.
It turned out so beautiful.
So, I have books, order forms, a poster and of course, the booth.
I'm ready!

Please stop by and see my book and visit with me.
I'm a little nervous about this festival. I'm hoping to do well.
I could use all the support I can get, so please stop by and say hello.

Thanks!

Come visit me at my booth at the San Diego Holiday Arts Festival

2011-11-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

At the very last minute the people organizing the festival gave me a booth. I'm very excited! My first show as an exhibitor. Wish me luck and tell everyone to come by and see the book. I will have them there for people to look at and purchase.
See you there.
I'll update soon when I have a booth number.

Wish me luck!

Need a discount coupon to get in....click here. http://www.holidayartfestival.com/visitor_discount.html

Testimonial

2011-11-22T10:55:00.000-08:00

Judy Wunsch from the Alzheimer's Association California Southland Chapter added a wonderful testimonial for my book to my Facebook page.
See it here.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=162685360496176&id=158082034289842&ref=notif&notif_t=wall

San Diego Success!

2011-11-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

I met with Anna King, Director of Programs and Tiffany Lynch, Community Outreach & Events Manager today.

It was a wonderful meeting, we sat and had coffee together talking about how the book came about, and discussed ways to get it into the hands of the people that need it. They both liked the book and felt that it was a great way to help people, but they really liked it's organization and the fact that it becomes a legacy. A way for you to really know your loved one.

We also discussed how wonderful it would be to have spouses complete the books together. Creating a memory while helping each other fill in their books. Do a little reminiscing and recreate the memories of their lives to keep in the workbook forever.

They ended up purchasing 3 books for the chapter and Tiffany bought one personally to give to her grandmother. I was honored.

Wonderful Day!

2011-11-17T13:29:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was such a fantastic day! The kind of day you write in your journal to remind you of again and again.

The day started out with a wonderful meeting at the Alzheimer's Association in Orange County. I met with Donna Velarde the Early Stage Coordinator. Donna was kind and friendly and after looking through the book for a minute or so her exuberant comment was "This is wonderful!" I was thrilled. It's such a pleasure to see experts in their field look at my book and agree that it's something that can really help people in their fight against memory loss.

After that I had some time to spare between meetings so I allowed some selfish 'me' time and headed over to the Getty Museum. They were having an exhibition of manuscripts from the gospels. It was spectacular, detailed, creative, beautiful and I loved every one. I'm so glad I went! If you have a chance, head over there yourself, you won't be disappointed.

Pulling myself away from the museum, I headed to Leeza's Place Circle of Care in Sherman Oaks, Ca. I met with Stephanie Elkins, Program and Outreach Director. She too enjoyed the book and felt it would be a great tool for people to use in their battle with memory loss. Stephanie was so open and friendly, I felt as if I was having coffee with an old friend. We talked for a while and discussed lots of ways to get my book into the hands of people that really need it. I feel certain that I will be working with all of the Leeza's Place locations closely in the months and years to come.

Meetings done for the day, I was already in Los Angeles, so I took advantage and arranged earlier in the week to have dinner with a friend. Little did I know, I was in for a real treat. My friend works for Disney Animation Studios and being a HUGE Disney fan (Mickey's my favorite) she took me on a tour. WOW!...that's all I can say. I was in heaven. I even told her at dinner that based on the events of my day it was hard for me to decide which part of the day was my favorite.

So with my own battle with memory loss looming over my head, I made sure I wrote down the details of this day so I wouldn't forget anything. I'm also keeping my tickets to get into the museum and my parking pass at Disney. I don't ever want to forget this day, and since I'm a firm believer in writing things down, I won't...because I did.

Onboard in Delaware Valley

2011-11-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Just finished a wonderful conversation with Kerry Brown in the Delaware Valley Chapter.
They have seen the blog and the book 'teaser' and love it!
They are excited about the possibilities of the book and it's power to help others.
We are talking about me exhibiting at some of their conferences.
They will be mentioning the book in a monthly email they send, displaying it in their library for people to look at and purchase, and we're discussing using the book in an early onset educational program.

Such an exciting day!

Tomorrow will be another exceptional day in the battle against memory loss as I'm meeting with the Alzheimer's Association Orange County Chapter and Leeza's Place in Sherman Oaks. I'm very excited to show my book to these groups and get it helping as many as possible.

Astonishing statistic!

2011-11-14T10:35:00.001-08:00

Every 70 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's

Facebook page for book

2011-11-12T11:50:00.000-08:00

I just created a new Facebook page for the book.
Check it out.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Memories-My-Life/158082034289842?sk=wall

Happy Veterans Day!

2011-11-11T16:11:00.003-08:00

11/11/11
Happy Veterans Day and Thank you to all that serve.

Meetings to show book

2011-11-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited about how receptive people are to this book. Once people look at it they can really see how powerful this book is and how it's going to help people.
I now have two in person appointments next week!
One with the Alzheimer's Association Orange County Chapter in Irvine, CA.
My other appointment is with Leeza's Place at Circle of Care in Sherman Oaks.

Then I have an appointment to talk on the phone with the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter to see how they can use the book to help their people.

Next week is going to be a big week for the book!

Onboard in Los Angeles

2011-11-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

I met with Judy Wunsch and Nicole Lise Feingold at the Alzheimer's Association in Los Angeles yesterday. It was really a pleasure to meet with these two amazing women working hard everyday to help people with this disease. And the best part... I showed them my book and they loved it! They even bought some. It was a real delight for me to get the book in front of people that are experts in this field and feel that my book will help people. What a joy!

Going forward we will be creating flyers to promote the book in some of their programs and they are going to talk to some other chapters for me to get the word out about the book. In my mind, this meeting was a huge success and I'm so very happy that others can see the power of the book and it's potential to help others.

A new appointment to show my book!

2011-11-07T09:30:00.000-08:00

I'm meeting with another chapter of the Alzheimer's Association next week. The Orange County Chapter in Irvine, California. They are interested in the book for their early onset education programs.

I'm so excited about this appointment, because people with early onset of the disease are the perfect candidate for this book.

Coping with Memory Loss

2011-11-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

In this article on WebMD.com it says the best way to cope with memory loss is...

(Excerpt from beginning of article)

To help cope with memory problems:

Always keep a book with you to record important information, phone numbers, names, ideas you have, appointments, your address, and directions to your home.
Place sticky notes around the house when you need to remember things.
Label cupboards and drawers with words or pictures that describe their contents.
Place important phone numbers in large print next to the phone.
Ask a friend or family member to call and remind you of important things that you need to do in the day, like meal times, medication times, and appointments.
Use a calendar to keep track of time and to remember important dates.
Use photos of people you see often labeled with their names.
Keep track of phone messages by using an answering machine.

My book will help you do this.

It has space for the important numbers, names, documents, directions and much, much more.

It has lots of space for photos of people in your life, and a calendar for keeping track of important dates.

Order it here: http://mymemories-mylife.blogspot.com/

Read the entire WebMD article here:
http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/caregivers-09/memory-tips

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

2011-11-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
Nov. 1-Nov. 30, 2011

Did you know?

2011-11-03T14:53:00.001-07:00

Experts suggest that there are approximately 5.1 million people currently with Alzheimer's Disease.

First meeting to show my book

2011-11-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

I got a call today from the Alzheimer's Association Chapter in Los Angeles. They want to see the book! I'm so excited. I'm headed up there next week to meet with them and discuss the chapter using it.
How wonderful!

A BIG Thank You

2011-11-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

I'd like to send a big "Thank You" to my friend, Julianne Roth from Companions for Living in Farmington, Connecticut. One day she and I were chatting and she learned about my struggles with memory loss and how they came to be. She made the suggestion of turning my misfortune into something that could help others. My Memories - My Life is the wonderful result of that conversation. Thank you Julianne for helping me to do this. I appreciate all of your input, reviewing the book and suggestions. I could not have done this without your support.

Want to know more?

2011-10-30T22:41:00.000-07:00

The book is basically divided into 2 parts. The first part helps people organize important life information including medical, financial and personal documents. It contains pages listing doctors, insurance information, medications, medical history, emergency contacts and much more. This information is detailed and becomes a valuable resource for loved ones, caregivers and of course the “author” of the workbook themselves.

The second and largest part is about the person and their memories. It contains many pages of fill in the blank questions to answer about their life and plenty of space for photographs to spark memories. There are questions about every stage of their lives, from childhood to the present. There are also questions about who they are themselves, their likes and dislikes and their fondest memories. Abundant space is also provided for detailed information and pictures of family and other loved ones.

Once complete, this book will help people access these memories quickly and easily. The book also becomes a wonderful heirloom to pass down for generations to come, giving family members insight into who their loved ones really were.

As a person who suffers from memory loss myself, due to a head injury, I know this workbook will be a valuable tool for the person that uses it.

First Book

2011-10-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

The sample of the book arrived today from the printer, and it's just what I was hoping for.
The covers both look amazing, with colors that are deep and vibrant.
The paper is a little heavier so it can take you writing on it and pasting pictures in.

However, despite the pretty pictures and design, most importantly this book will help people with memory loss.
You can fill in the blanks and never lose another valuable memory of your life, and you can put in pictures to spark your memory of those you love.

At the end of the day, the memories you keep are only able to treasured for years to come if you actually do remember them. So write it down. Use my book to hold on to everything you hold dear and never forget anything again!

Who is this book good for

2011-10-21T16:22:00.001-07:00

Everyone! As we age, details of our lives fade. It's inevitable. So, with this book you can write the memories down and not have to worry about forgetting anything.

New Book Release!

2011-10-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

I wrote this book to help people organize important documents and papers, as well as to remember the most important memories and people in their lives. It's a workbook with questions to fill in and lots of places to put photographs. I hope you enjoy the book and it serves you well. Only $25.00! Order today.